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Dear Gappers, and that includes the independent hostel hopper, the eco-warrior volunteer and the high octane expeditioner.
We know there's a lot of uncertainly out there and a knowledge wilderness with regard to planning your gap year, until now...
On the back of talking to many a gapper and their family throughout the last 6 months we realised we had to help the school leaver of 2020 - to give confidence and solutions for the gap year ahead. Therefore we got busy and have found you ways to navigate the world of travel and access the 'open countries' safely and responsibly, which we have centralised in an area called LEAP VIP.
Currently though we are in a UK National Lockdown - meaning UK residents can not travel overseas other than for a legally permitted reason. Once you have signed up to Leap VIP we will happily talk you through responsible travel solutions.
Join the private hub of Leap VIP and be the first to hear about opening borders, travel opportunities and access hot of the press travel updates.
You will access an up-to-date travel resource to navigate the opening up of the globe, giving you the confidence and know how to travel once again. Follow us on @gapyearexperts - for update alerts.
Also - any questions send us an email info@theleap.co.uk
Where in the world can we go?
Now we have nailed an insurance company to look after you regardless of the FCO advice, the world has opened up for the backpacker.
Currently you can go to a few countries in each continent - they want you to go there, we have agents ready to help organise you and an incident support team arranged to jump in should there be an trouble.
So, dust down the rucksack...
Is a pandemic covered?
No is the simple answer, and before lock down a pandemic was tucked away in the small print - an absurd idea fictionalised by the movies.
Alas even the old and the bold were caught out and the ancient rules for the travel industry meant we were the guys who had to pay the customer back for services undelivered. It was a messy business.
Anyway, moving forward new rules are in place and if a country opens its international borders then COVID-19 is now not deemed a pandemic and falls into the normal illness bracket and will be treated as such.
Am I insured if the FCO advices against traveling there?
Most, in fact all insurance policies do not insure you if the FCO says no BUT we have found a way around that. We have persuaded an insurance company, who pre-covid, only insured journalists to war torn countries to step in and cover the young traveller of today. So in a nutshell - if a border is open you can now go.
24/7 Back-Up and Support
Again we have persuaded a company who only covered high profile corporations to widen their 24/7 service to the young traveller. They are amazing and right now having access to their network whilst you travel will key. They give advice from lost passports, accidents to borders closing. Do not leave home without their number.
Peak inside our little black book...
Never did we think we would ever consider doing this but throughout lock down we met some gorgeous people and projects around the world - people doing extraordinary things and are battling on against all odds to keep their mission alive.
For those travellers happy to go direct - I will happily introduce you knowing that we have vetted them and given them The Leap gold star. Our mantra being - would Guy and I send our kids there....
Social media
@gapyearexperts is where you need to be.
Never have we been more dependent on this - instagram is the place where we will notify you of all travel update - so please follow us.
Chat through your gap plans
Once you are a VIP customer, we highly recommend you book a zoom call to chat through your plans with Milly. She is our travel guru and her font of knowledge is extensive when it comes to what is looking possible in these weird times.
A zoom with Milly will help give direction, hope and a realistic overview of safe /responsible paths to think about.
Her diary is accessed when you book onto Leap VIP
Everyone loves to be ahead of the curve so we will let all our VIPers have first dibs on opening programs/travel opportunites before its hits the database.
Flight back-up
Now is not the time to book cheap flights - now is the time to book through an agent, a human being even, who can help and direct you with your flight. All VIP members will be introduced to our corporate team who are amazing.
Swab testing and QR codes
Just the beginning - before departure there's is going to be ever changing admin the airport is going to be busy, despite no shops being open.
When each country opens up we will have this on hand to share with you all.
The Road Less Travelled
This is our new podcast series of inspirational
stories from those who have chosen a different path - especially
poignant right now when times are so uncertain. With so many of us being
forced to swim against the tide, making different and often
uncomfortable life decisions - we want to provide stories of hope and
adventure to help spark courage and resilience.
Be open, be brave and tune in, some amazing stories lined up, linking you to our projects directly overseas.
This private hub of Leap VIP has been created to help the corona hit gappers of 20/21 navigate the unchartered and choppy waters of international travel.
We are asking for a one off annual subscription fee of £100 which is non-refundable BUT it is redeemable off leap programs and a 24/7 incident support service. It's a win, win purchase.
If you are unsure give us a quick call and we can talk you through it: 01672 519922.
Only when you're a member can then access Milly's diary on line for a gap year consultancy, via zoom.
One off subscription fee
By joining Leap VIP you will have access to a hub of travel advice to help the gapper navigate the corona world.
You'll hear of border openings 48 hours before anyone else.
You'll hear of program options from the 4 main gap year companies.
Top tips from those in the know, to help you travel safely.
Chat to Milly and maybe do somthing you may never have thought of.
Where to start - Guy and I have run The Leap for what seems like a life time and the last year has certainly played with our heads. But challenge is what we do and we are excited about this resource for the year of corona hit gappers. Their are solutions for you to travel - we are finding them and will steer you along a safe and measured path.
This resource will come together with the help of our friends in the gap world and it should become a one stop shop. Right now it is in infancy but like all little acorns watch this space as the oak tree starts to take shape.
Be part of this community and we will help you travel safely and responsibly.
